Are you looking for ways to create a more dynamic learning environment for your high schooler? Homeschooling with an integrated art approach may be exactly what you need!
What Is Integrated Art?
An integrated art curriculum is one in which the art becomes the approach to teaching and the vehicle for learning.
“Students meet dual learning objectives when they engage in the creative process to explore art and another subject to gain greater understanding in both.”
Institute for Art Education and STEAM
Put simply, integrated art allows the learner to engage in the subject matter in a way that is much more robust and cross-functional. The student accesses the learning with a non-traditional, yet highly effective approach, using art as the method of delivery.
Why Is It So Helpful In Homeschool High School?
As more and more complex learning is expected for high schoolers, for many students, there is a need to access learning in a different way.
Not all learners respond well to the traditional textbook, worksheet, lecture style of traditional learning. In fact, most do better with a more multisensory approach to learning.
Integrated art essentially takes subjects we traditionally teach in a more formal way, and immediately adds a layer of accessibility and hands-on learning.
The Foundations Of An Integrated Art Curriculum
The truth is, most of us are already quite familiar with this approach to learning. It is likely that you have a memory of this type of learning from your childhood, as integrated art is more readily accepted and woven into elementary education.
For me, it was a salt map I made of Italy for my country report in sixth grade. I worked hard on that map, and through it’s creation, I learned more about Italy than any textbook ever would’ve taught me. I also retained the information I learned about Italy. (In fact, to this day, I still remember most of what I learned – that’s the power of hands-on, multisensory learning!)
You Are An Artist For High School Homeschool
You Are An Artist lessons are exactly what an integrated art curriculum is all about.
What makes it particularly effective, is that You Are An Artist includes this type of approach all the way through the high school years.
For example, when my son was learning about US History, we completed a lesson on creating our own map of North America.
The opportunities to learn with an integrated art perspective are plentiful with You Are An Artist.
Take a look at all of these high school level courses.
Integrated Literature and Language Arts For High School
- Harry Potter
- Stopping by the Woods – Robert Frost
- The Hobbit
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Lamp Post – Narnia C. S. Lewis
- Hundred Acre Wood – A.A. Milne
History and Geography For High School Homeschooling
- American History
- American Landmarks
- Ancient History
- Famous Composers
- World Maps
- World Landmarks
Science For High School With You ARE An Artist
- Inventors
- Moon Missions
- Solar Eclipse
- Solar System
- Space Exploration
(You can also read all about how to use You Are An Artist specifically for High School Art credit and grab a FREE Visual Art Credit Tracker HERE)
Integrated Art In Your Homeschool Curriculum
Using integrated art in any homeschool curriculum is valuable. Adding it to the high school years keeps learning fun, engaging, and ultimately, more successful.
Thankfully, You ARE An Artist has everything you need to easily include integrated art in your homeschool.
Shawna Wingert is a special education teacher turned writer, speaker and consultant. She is also a homeschooling mom of two brilliant boys with differences and special needs. Shawna has written four books for parents – Everyday Autism, Special Education at Home, Parenting Chaos and her latest, Homeschooling Your Child With Special Needs. She helps parents of children with learning differences, behavioral challenges and special needs every day at DifferentByDesignLearning.com.